Several class action lawsuits were filed against MERSCORP and Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. challenging mortgage loan registration fees and alleging that the fees violate the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). In re MERSCORP Inc., et al., Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) Litig., 473 F.Supp.2d 1379, 1379 (Jud.Pan.Mult.Lit. 2007). Lawyers for all plaintiffs in the separate class action lawsuits filed a motion with the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) requesting centralization of the class actions pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1407 in the Eastern District of Texas. Id. Defense attorneys agreed that pretrial coordination was appropriate, and agreed further that the Eastern District of Texas was the appropriate transferee court. Id. The Judicial Panel granted the motion to centralize the class actions, but noted that the Eastern District of Texas “declined the assignment due to its heavy caseload.” Id., at 1379-80. Accordingly, the Panel transferred the cases to the Southern District of Texas for pretrial proceedings. Id., at 1380.

Michael J. Hassen's litigation practice spans almost 30 years and emphasizes general business and commercial litigation, including class action defense and unfair business practice representative actions (section 17200).

He represents lenders in all facets of lender litigation, ranging from class actions and unfair business practices based on alleged "predatory" lending and RESPA violations or alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, to claims alleging elder abuse or challenging the validity or priority of liens.

Michael also has significant experience in business torts such as misappropriation of trade secrets and raiding of corporate employees, ADA claims, and all phases of commercial and real estate finance, construction finance and construction defect claims.

He is experienced in appellate matters, having had primary responsibility for preparing more than 100 appellate briefs.